Lichfield District Council is facing a bill of around £235,000 to replace a power and heating unit at Burntwood Leisure Centre.
The figure was revealed in a report to a Cabinet meeting taking place on 8th October.
The current combined heat and power unit (CHP) has been “deemed obsolete” after a number of issues in 2018.
Installed more than 17 years ago, the equipment has already been rebuilt once – but specialists say it must now be replaced.
The money is likely to come from a sinking fund for the leisure centre.
A report from Cllr Iain Eadie, deputy leader of the council and Cabinet member for investment, economic growth and tourism, said: “The CHP unit has been non-operational since November 2018 following a series of significant breakdowns.
“Currently Freedom Leisure are absorbing approximately £3,500 extra per month on energy costs. These costs are likely to increase over the course of the next year because of inflation.
“Freedom Leisure expects Lichfield District Council to replace the CHP because it is clearly stated in the contract that as landlord it is the council’s responsibility to provide the CHP.
“Veolia CHP UK Ltd who are responsible for servicing and maintaining the CHP have advised us that there are major component failures and the replacement parts for this model are now obsolete.”
The report reveals that other options were explored for the current system, which burns gas to generate electricity and heat air and water.
Cllr Eadie added: “Other renewable energy solutions were considered, but due to the additional costs being incurred by Freedom Leisure, the preferred preference was to replace the CHP unit.
“Since becoming the building operators, Freedom Leisure have already completed works to introduce new energy efficiencies.”
